Opening remarks by Resident Coordinator ad interim, Dr. Edward Addai on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Government officials,

Our partners from the diplomatic community,

Civil society organizations and academia members,

My colleagues from the UN Agencies in Maldives,

Distinguished invitees,

Assalamu Alaikum and a very good evening,

It is an honor to join you today at this event to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

For me this period presents us the opportunity to unite resources with determination to create a safer and equitable society where women and girls thrive free from violence.

Globally, gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread violations of human rights. In Maldives, the statistics are also concerning: 1 in 3 women report experiencing violence in their lifetime, and 1 in 4 women face intimate partner violence.

The Theme, "Together for Her" highlights our shared duty to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls and stresses the urgency of addressing gender-based violence.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 also reminds us of the urgent need to address gender-based violence.

In fact, there is a lot to build on in the fight against gender-based violence in the Maldives.

Over the years, the country has made significant strides in addressing this critical issue including adopting laws such as the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, criminalizing marital rape, and creating institutions such as the Family Protection Authority. The contribution of Civil society in advocacy, awareness and service provision for victims is also commendable.

Yet challenges persist. Harmful norms, gaps and weak enforcement of legislative, and impunity for perpetrators remain obstacles to achieving transformative change.

As we look ahead during this period and beyond, we need to recommit to building a world where all women and girls can live in dignity, safety, and peace with the knowledge that no single actor can succeed alone.

Achieving this vision requires a united front. The fight against gender-based violence demands the collaboration of all stakeholders-government bodies, UN agencies, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.

Hence guided by the theme, we must work together to:

1. Strengthen Legal and Social Frameworks, closing legislative gaps, enforce existing laws, and ensuring effective implementation.
2. Address root causes of violence by focusing on prevention through education, advocacy, and community engagement to challenge harmful norms, gender inequality, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.
3. Holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for victims.
4. Offering safe spaces for victims to recover and heal, including establishing and supporting independent complaints mechanisms and introducing intersectional codes of conduct.

The UN remains steadfast in supporting the Maldives in meeting its obligations to end violence against women and girls, and thereby achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5-where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.

I urge each of us to carry forward the spirit of "Together for Her." Let this theme inspire both our words and actions.

By uniting our voices, resources, and determination, we can create a safer, more equitable future where every woman and girl can live free from violence and achieve her full potential.

Thank you.